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Mudracer
New Member
Virginia
12 Posts |
 Posted - 11/29/2006 : 06:25:28
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| This is my first post. I build and race 4x4 trucks and the organization I race with is adding a kids power wheels class next year. I want to be the first in my area to modify one. What are the best power wheels to look? What parts are interchangeable? I believe I have two bigfoots lined up. When going from 12v to 18v is all that you are doing adding batteries in series? What is better 3 6volts or a 12 + 6? Where is a good place to get diagrams about speed contollers? I look forward to your responses. |
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K-man
Journeyman Modder
Paducah
KY
USA
484 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2006 : 08:42:01
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As far as what powerwheels is best to modify, it would be helpful to know what kind of racing it will be. If it is just on a smooth dirt track vs. something hilly and on grass or something. In some instances you may want to build something with 4wd if climbing is an issue, otherwise it is much easier and cheaper to build a fast 2wd vehicle. The bigfoots work fine unless you are planning on serious speed, in which case they are too top heavy for the narrow wheel track in my opinion, a definite roll over hazard in a race situation.
I am sure you will get plenty of info just looking around at previous posts.
Yes, putting the batteries in series is what you want to do, I hate charging batteries so the fewer the better for me (1-12V and 1-6V) you will be tempted to go 24V but just be warned, your vehicle won't be reliable enough for racing.
May I ask how old the kid is that will be driving it? I know from experience that kids find the 4-wheelers more manuverable than a large jeep, so maybe keep that in mind also. This sounds like great fun, wish they had something like that around here! |
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Mudracer
New Member
Virginia
12 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2006 : 08:56:11
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| There has not been any rules set forth yet. I believe they will be racing on flat ground hard packed clay where they pulling trucks usually compete. The kids driving will be anywhere from 4-10 years old. I think they want to stick to trucks or jeeps instead of the quads just because that is what the adults are racing. Thanks for the response. |
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TiddlerRacer
Senior Modder
Adrian
MI
USA
1849 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2006 : 13:59:23
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Just as a precaution - running a 12V and a 6V battery together for 18V will eventually ruin the 12V battery.
If you use all 6V batteries, get a higher amperage 6V charger (4A range) and charge all three at once in parallel.
If you're looking to lay down some big HP, look for a two seater unibody style Jeep. These vehicles utilize a #7 style gearbox that is the strongest one made by Fisher Price. The Bigfoot trucks use a #3 gearbox and once you apply 18V and hotter motors their life expectancy shortens dramatically. Like K-man touched on, they have a lower CG than the Bigfoot trucks and a wider track making their stability much better.
You may want to limit what mods can be done. It's very easy with a motor, gearing, and battery change to put a Jeep in the 10-11 MPH range and with multiple kids gunning for victory someone could get hurt real quick. Also, some safety gear might be a good precaution as well.
****Testing the limits of Fisher Price engineering on a daily basis.**** |
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Kirky_Turky
Journeyman Modder
148 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2006 : 05:23:02
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| well i dont know if any of u guys have seen this but at family go-cart places, they have metal or plastic oval around the body, u can think of doign that so the wheels dont rub and cause a flip or somethign |
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Mudracer
New Member
Virginia
12 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2006 : 17:40:58
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How many different jeeps are there? I know there are many variations with color schemes and accessories, but are the drivetrains the same? What prompted this question was the mention of a unibody jeep with #7 gearbox. I am going to get a 10 year jeep this weekend, but that is all I know about it so far. I also just picked up a 1995 silervado today. Big plans for the chevy since that is what I race.
Thanks for all the good tips, gathering all the information I can and planning now. |
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TiddlerRacer
Senior Modder
Adrian
MI
USA
1849 Posts |
Posted - 11/30/2006 : 18:35:31
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All unibody style Jeeps share the same basic drivetrain, however tye gear ratios vary on some Jeeps due to different tire diameters.
I mentioned the unibody Jeeps because you were talking about the Bigfoot trucks. I just wanted to make you aware that the Bigfoot gearboxes (#3 style) are not as rugged as the #7's, especially in a modified application.
Go to the Mending Shed's website, they have a listing of every PW made and a parts list for each. That is a good way to corss reference and see what parts are shared between vehicles.
****Testing the limits of Fisher Price engineering on a daily basis.**** |
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Turbinator
New Member
McDonough
Georgia
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2006 : 11:22:05
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| How are you able to tell the what style # gearbox you have? Are they stamped #3 or #7 on the outside of the case? |
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jasncab
Forum Admin
Phoenix
AZ
USA
1119 Posts |
Posted - 12/01/2006 : 14:31:35
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Usually they are stamped near the motor on the case or opposite of the motor.
The number refers to the number of teeth on the pinion in most case now. 21T = 21 tooth pinion. |
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What to look beginner?
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